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LONDON – JANUARY 23, 2007 – Total ICT spending in EMEA is expected to grow by 4.8% to reach *733 billion in 2007, according to a new study by IDC. Growth in emerging markets is forecast to be significantly faster than in Western European countries, representing 17% of total ICT spending in 2007.

The study outlines IDC's main predictions for the coming year and forecasts single-digit growth in each of the major submarkets – software (7.3%), hardware (6.8%), services (6.1%), and telecoms (3.0%).

There is expected to be considerable activity among suppliers as they strive to hold on to their business and compete in new areas. In particular:

hardware area, with vendors increasingly successful in selling to small and medium businesses and consumers.

–The services market will continue to drive towards managed

services and stronger solutions selling.

–Infrastructure investments will drive much of the software

market, where we expect to see continued acquisition activities in the year.

From a customer perspective the main issues for 2007 are expected to be security, virtualization, regulatory compliance, and mobility, with each theme in turn creating shifts in market direction and growth.

IDC will hold a special, executive-level Web conference, hosted by EMEA Chief Research Officer Martin Hingley, to discuss IDC's EMEA ICT predictions for 2007. The Web conference will last about 40 minutes, after which there will be a Q&A session.

IDC will hold a press briefing on Predictions 2007 IT Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities in an Era of Disruption on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at the Charlotte Street Hotel in London. For more information and to register, go to http://www.idc.com/about/press.jsp .

About IDC

IDC is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. Over 850 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends. For more than 42 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com . All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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